Sad day in World Football

Please allow me this interjection. The world of football is taking a hit today with the announced retirement of Pierluigi Collina, aka the world's greatest ref. The true "Italian Stallion" made an extremely classy and upstanding move in retiring when he did. He signed an endorsement deal with a company that also supports Serie A powerhouse AC Milan. The likelihood of challenges to fairness and the conflict of interest led him to his decision.

He was an imposing figure. His authoritative, "You will not walk over me," stare made all else stop until he said they could continue. I remember watching him call a foul, but instead of running after the guilty party, he would stand, stare at the felon, and simply use his finger to call them over. Like obedient children to a father you just did not mess with, the players would go to him, many times with their heads hanging down. Collina was accurate and fair. He could see everything going on, and would let the players play the game. He had a perfect balance between control of the rules and the fun of the sport.

I will miss his presence in next year's World Cup.